awning instructions

[Joanne_5041556]

Hi all,i`m a newbie,ive just brought our first van,and awning,an Avondale perle,there are no instructions for the awning,i need some advice on the best way to put it up,is the frame set up first then the canvas pulled round the channel

any advice would be great

 

[Raymond_5041390]

Joanne.

First of all lay out the poles on the ground in their respective positions then pull the canvas through the awning channel.Once that is done go inside the awning and start fitting the poles. I usualy fit the centre roof pole and front leg first. While somebody holds that first one I then fit one of the end roof poles and leg and then connect up to the centre pole then repeat for the other side.Before tensioning up the awning,peg the awning at the front and rear of the caravan first(that way I find you dont pull the awning away from the van). Next tension the roof and front poles as tight as you can get them(the tighter the better)Put the pegs in at the corners first and get every thing square then put in the rest of the pegs. Once thats done retension the legs.

Hope that helps

Good luck

 

[petercoachman]

hi joanne we strated with our van last year with the same problem we stayed on a club site our first trip out and it was obvious we din't have clue but got loads of help from our neighbroughs as it was there were parts missing which we would'nt have known it all end up fine our new found friends marked the poles with cloured tape we put the awning through the rail first then the frame up from inside only takes us about 20 min's now good luck

 

[ian_5040567]

my advice is to start with the canvass. Get it through the rail and position it so that both ends of the awning are about same distance from ground when you peg it out - reason being to allow for van on sloping ground. THen get your centre pole up, then two end poles. When you peg, peg 4 corners first - I do corner nearest van first to ensure awning aligned to van, then corner next to leg, positioning leg and pulling it out to meet seam in awning, and You can then peg out remainder. If you have additional support legs, then erect these last. THey put tension on what you'ver already pegged.

Hope this helps.

 

[Surfer]

I am surprised that no one has advised you to remove any side panels as it is easier without the side panels zipped in place.

 

[Mike_5041089]

We started vanning back in '86, the first time we tried to put the awning up it ended on the roof of the van! So chose a windless day, or place the van the wind side of the awning. Best bet is then to ask other vanners who will be delighted to help and follow the advice from Ian, Pete & Raymond. Once you've done it a few times it's dead easy (even in high winds!) Enjoy

 

[JimF]

Hi Joanne, practice,& practice at home, if pos, also get the divorce lawyer on standby!!!

Best of luck.

 

[Jim.M_5040716]

Hi Joanne

There is good advice in pervious replies.

but no matter how good or bad you are at awnings if it's a busy site, get out all the bits on the ground, then make shure someone is waching then act dumb and before long you wil have all the experts on site to help, works a treat every time.

Happy camping.